Looks like the rumors were true!  The Duke And Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, are expecting a baby.

The couple announced the news on their website on Monday.  They said they are “delighted with the news.”

The pregnancy, said to still be in a very early stage, was not intended to be announced so soon.  However, over the weekend, the Duchess became ill with acute morning sickness.  After it became clear that she needed to be hospitalized, the couple realized that the circumstances would make it hard to keep things under wraps, so they decided to share their happy news.

Evidently even Queen Elizabeth was not even aware of Kate’s pregnancy until Monday afternoon.

The Duke and Duchess spent the weekend with the Middleton family at their home in Berkshire, where they visited the prep school Kate attended as a child.  Reports indicate that she became ill over the weekend, and was unable to keep any food or water down.  After consulting his doctor, William decided to take her to the hospital, and drove her there himself in their car.

Her diagnosis is hyperemesis gravidarum, which translates to “severe vomiting during pregnancy.”  While many pregnant women experience morning sickness, especially early on, hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized as “unrelenting” and “excessive,” and can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.   Up to 2% of pregnant women experiences this condition.

The Duchess expected to be hospitalized at King Edward VII Hospital for “several days,” and will “require a period of rest thereafter,” according to the couple’s website.   She had several appearances scheduled for this week, but they have been cancelled.

The new little royal, whether boy or girl, will be third in line to the throne, behind Prince Charles and Prince William.

Congratulations and let the baby watch begin!

Photo:  WENN.com

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